There are many people
that suffer from a condition that is known as scoliosis. This condition
refers to the abnormal curvature of the spine leading to abnormal posture,
pain and other conditions in people that suffer from it. Scoliosis is a
progressive disease and while there is no real 'cure' for the condition
there are various methods that have been developed to improve the
patient's condition or to make them more comfortable. Some physical
therapists have developed exercises for scoliosis sufferers. These exercises are usually used in conjunction
with another treatment like the very common brace.
No research has been
done to determine if exercise for scoliosis can actually help to rectify
the condition. While the exercises may not correct the condition it has
shown that the exercises to slow down the progress of the condition and it
does allow for some reduction of the curvature in the spine. Since the
exercises help to prevent the deterioration of back posture it does play a
positive role in helping the spine in resisting any further abnormal
curving. The stretching exercises employed by physical therapists are
aimed at increasing the mobility of the spine in the desired direction.
The focus is on improving muscle tone and the patient's posture. By doing
this, a corrective force is exerted on the spine in the opposite direction
of the abnormal curve in the spine.
In people that are
wearing brace for scoliosis exercises are often recommended as well. These
exercises are not exercises for scoliosis, as such, but rather exercises that are aimed at making the
patient used to the brace itself. These exercises do help, to a small
degree; to help correct the deformity but the main purpose of these
exercises are to maintain muscle tone while wearing the brace. Patients
wearing braces often suffer from a loss of muscle tone and these exercises
are mainly aimed at counteracting this phenomenon.
Scoliosis is not a great
inhibitor of normal physical activity except in the most extreme cases.
People suffering from this condition can usually perform other normal
physical exercises and take part in physical activities without too much
trouble. Exercises for scoliosis, however, can help to reduce the curvature of
the spine to a lesser degree and does slow down the progress of the
condition. While patient's performing the exercises have shown an increase
in their ability to breathe and move there is no evidence to suggest that
it is a permanent solution.
Exercise for scoliosis
is certainly a good idea for anyone suffering from the condition if they
want some assistance with their condition. It does improve flexibility to
some degree and may help to make the condition a little more bearable.
Exercises, however, are no substitute for surgical correction. If surgery
is recommended to correct the problem then it should be done as soon as
possible. The exercises are no replacement, and cannot be a replacement,
for surgery and in some extreme and serious cases of the condition, the
exercises may be of little to no use.
